A new survey from the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that the transatlantic trade and investment relationship hit record-breaking numbers in 2021. The findings come out against a difficult political and economic backdrop, with the war raging in Ukraine and after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation, congested supply chains, scarcity of raw materials and energy prices also add to global uncertainty. Despite this, the report demonstrates the resilience of the transatlantic economy and outlines avenues to strengthen the EU-US partnership with initiatives such as the Trade and Technology Council. To download the study, please click here.
2021 was a record-breaking year for the transatlantic economy, new report shows
A new survey from the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that the transatlantic trade and investment relationship hit record-breaking numbers in 2021. The findings come out against a difficult political and economic backdrop, with the war raging in Ukraine and after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation, congested supply chains, scarcity of raw materials and energy prices also add to global uncertainty. Despite this, the report demonstrates the resilience of the transatlantic economy and outlines avenues to strengthen the EU-US partnership with initiatives such as the Trade and Technology Council. To download the study, please click here.

The Transatlantic Economy 2022 highlights how the EU-US relationship remains the largest of its kind in the world. The transatlantic economic partnership generates around €5.5 trillion ($6 trillion) in commercial sales a year and accounts for half of total global personal consumption. No place in the world attracts more US foreign direct investment (FDI) than Europe. Since the beginning of this decade, Europe has attracted 62.6% of total US global investment.
In 2021, transatlantic trade in goods reached €1 trillion ($1.1 trillion). US foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Europe rose to €230 billion ($253 billion), while US foreign affiliate income earned in Europe amounted to an estimated €272 billion ($300 billion) – 2.7 times more than income earned in all of Asia.
What to look out for in this new edition?
How the war in Ukraine affects the US and European economies
What COVID-19, trade spats and congested supply chains mean for the transatlantic economy
How US-Europe commercial relations compare with those each has with China and others
Data on the rise of the transatlantic energy economy
Changing dynamics of post-Brexit relations with the UK
Individual profiles for 30 European countries and all 50 US states
The research was conducted independently by Daniel Hamilton and Joseph Quinlan at the Foreign Policy Institute, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University and the Transatlantic Leadership Network.
The data is also available on Thriving Together, an online platform that showcases the deep ties that bind Europe and the United States, including numbers from The Transatlantic Economy 2022. Visit the platform: thrivingtogether.eu.
The American Chambers of Commerce in Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg and Sweden are partners of this year’s edition.
Related items
:focal())
A year of giving back
Intel has called Ireland home since 1989, investing more than €30 billion and supporting 4,900 jobs. Alongside this long-term commitment, the company is helping strengthen local communities through its Signature Charity initiative. For the past 16 years, the Intel Foundation and Intel employees have selected a charity each year to support through volunteering and fundraising. In 2025, Intel Ireland chose Teach Tearmainn, the only organisation in County Kildare dedicated to supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Through fun runs, cycling events, a triathlon, a giving campaign, employee-led fundraising and recycling initiatives, Intel employees raised €80,000 for the charity – the company’s largest charity donation to date. These efforts show how long-term investment, employee engagement and community partnerships can help deliver meaningful support where it is needed most. Read the full story on Invested in Europe.
:focal())
Healthcare, competitiveness, innovation and simplification
Europe’s life sciences sector sits at the heart of the EU’s competitiveness agenda. It supports advanced manufacturing and helps bring new treatments and technologies to patients. Yet companies deciding where to invest need a regulatory environment that is predictable and open to global cooperation.
The European Commission’s work on the Biotech Act and the targeted revision of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations (MDR/IVDR) offers an opportunity to improve that environment. Both files can help make Europe a stronger location for life sciences investment.
The EU should use this moment to build a framework that keeps pace with scientific progress. That means faster and clearer procedures. It also means better use of data and intellectual property rules that recognise the realities of global supply chains.
:focal())
Trilogue breakthrough unlocks implementation of EU-US Framework Agreement
AmCham EU is relieved to see the European Parliament and Member States reach an agreement on the tariff reduction proposals linked to the EU-US Framework Agreement. The co-legislators’ compromise is a critical step for businesses that rely on a stable transatlantic trade and investment relationship.
The EU‑US commercial relationship is the largest in the world. It supports millions of European and American jobs and underpins deeply integrated value chains on both sides of the Atlantic. While AmCham EU opposes broad-based tariffs, given political priorities on both sides of the Atlantic, the EU-US Framework Agreement still provides the most realistic path to a workable and more constructive transatlantic trade and investment environment that helps businesses plan and grow in an increasingly volatile global context. The trilogue agreement is a sign that the EU is honouring its commitments under the deal.
Member States and the European Parliament must now formally confirm this outcome at the earliest possible opportunity. Completing this process will allow the EU and the US to move beyond tariffs and advance the broader cooperation set out in the Joint Statement, including on critical supply chains, non‑market practices and economic security.
Policy priorities
Insights and advocacy driving Europe’s policy agenda. Our priorities support growth, innovation and a stronger transatlantic economy.
Membership
Connecting business and policymakers to strengthen the voice of American companies in Europe.